Westport Woman's Club Bulletin
Westport Woman's Club
DECEMBER 2018
Board of Directors 2018-2019
President  Christina McVaney;   1st VP Special Interests   Kim Reichert; 
2nd VP Finance   Maria Fraile;  3rd VP Ways & Means   Karen Kleine & 
Donna Pellittieri;  Secretary   Cheryl Bliss; Treasurer   Barbara Szefc; 
Communications  Gloria Smithson;   Community Services Susan Hricik; 
Curio Cottage  Deb Fratino ;  Grounds  Cornelia Olsen ; House  Sarah Menchaca; Membership  Robin Clark; Parliamentary Advisor  Sharon Jones; 
Programs Leah Scherzer & Josephine Calcagni; Rentals  Ana Hitri & 
Trish Leavitt;  YDF   TBD;   Past President   Dorothy M. Packer
PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Ladies,
DECEMBER is a special month of the year. It's a month filled with hope, cheer, thanks and charity...we get together with family & friends to wish each other a wonderful holiday season and exchange gifts. I hope this month brings you all of this and more!

In the spirit of the season, please keep others in your thoughts. Our club helps us direct our attention to others through our Holiday Meals & Holiday Gift Food Card programs and Annual Toy Drive, not to mention our Food Closet that needs replenishing and none of these are possible without your help.

In this spirit, I hope that you will bring all your friends to our December fundraiser, Sounds for A Starry Night, and help Dorothy Curran and her committee make it a successful evening. Take a look at the short video on our website that gives you a glimpse of what the concert will offer. It's a world class concert brought to you in a very intimate space, our Clubhouse...don't miss out, buy your tickets today before it sells out. There's limited seating!

One last thing before I sign off, during this season of giving, please consider contributing whatever you can to our annual appeal in the form of checks, securities or bequests. Help us assure that the club will be around for many more years to come, so that our daughters and grand-daughters will be able to gather, contribute and be of service to our community.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays!

Christina McVaney, cmcvaney@yahoo.com , 203-292-8138
  In this Issue

Sunshine Girls
Thanks to Zita Casey, our Sunshine Girl for November.

Our Sunshine Girl for the month of December is Dorothy Packer, dmpacker@aol.com, 203-644-3577

Kim Reichert, 1st VP, kim.reichert@gmail.com
203-362-8256

Condolences

 

Office Hours  
Monday - Friday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (  Lunch)
Office Manager,
Elizabeth Greenawalt
   203-227-4240
Resident House Manager,
Lilibet Rojas

December 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday






1
 









 



 
2 3 4 5 6 7 8

CLUB DAY
CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm

BRIDGE
9:30 am
STARRY NIGHT
CONCERT
7:00pm

9 10 11 12 13
14 15



CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm

LADIES WHO LUNCH
12:30 pm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm


BRIDGE
9:30 am


BYOB
4:00pm

16 17 18 19 20 21
22

BOARD MEETING

CANASTA
1:00 - 4:00 pm

GOURMET
11:30am

BUNCO
7:00opm
MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm
 
 
 
 
WAYS AND MEANS
10:30am
BRIDGE
9:30 am


23
24 25 26 27 28 29








MAH JONGG
1:00 - 4:00 pm
  
  
   
BRIDGE
9:30 am

30 31






 





SIP & SAVOR FUNDRAISER


SIP & SAVOR 2018 - Thank you
Thanks to everyone who helped us with ...
 
Set-up on the day of -- Lisa Stretton, Jeannette Tewey, Wendy McKeon

Front Entrance Decorating -- Janette Duchnicki seasonally and beautifully set the stage for our fall evening!

Volunteers at check-in -- Karen Kleine, Donna Pellettieri,  Jo Fuchs Luscombe & Kim Reichert.    Volunteers at our prize table  -- Susan Loselle, Suzan Murphy  (who sold "4 figures" of prize tickets AGAIN This year!)

Break down at the end of the evening -- thank you to everyone who stayed to lend a hand.
                   
And THANK YOU to everyone who bought a SIP & SAVOR ticket
Everyone who encouraged or brought a friend to attend
Everyone who ordered a bottle (or more) of wine
Our PINOT sponsor, Gloria Smithson
Our CHARDONNAY sponsor, Mary Lee Clayton
Everyone who bought ad space in the brochure (Deb Fratino, Maria Fraile, Dorothy Curran,   Donna Pellettieri, Desjardin Design Associates )
 
TOGETHER we had an elegant and memorable evening raising funds  that we can now share with our community grants and spring scholarship recipients.
 
Be sure and checkout the SLIDE SHOW memories of this event on our Website and Facebook page and don't forget to pick up your ordered wines from our wine partner, Castle Wines.
 
Cheers, and a grateful THANKS from us to everyone who helped on SIP & SAVOR 2018!

Christina McVaney & Gloria Smithson, co-chairs


CLUB DAY
 
Date:   Monday, December 3rd
Time:  11:30 am - Refreshments
            12:00 pm - Lunch

Please join us Monday, December 3rd for Club Day, hosted by our Gourmet Group headed up by Barbara Gladnick and Lisa Allison. Please be sure to make your reservation with Elizabeth by 1 PM on Wednesday, November 28th.

I have received so many positive comments and compliments about our meals thus far; it seems that everyone is very pleased with the caterer chosen for 2018-2019!

For our December luncheon, Aux Delices will be serving Lasagna Bolognese or a vegetarian option of Eggplant Parmesan. The entrees are going to be served with a Side Baby Arugula Salad; bread and butter will be available. Dessert is a Home Style Sheet Cake. Doesn't this sound like a delicious meal?

If you have a serious food allergy or you wish to have the vegetarian option, you must email me by Wednesday, November 28th. If you need to cancel a reservation, please do so by contacting Elizabeth by Wednesday, November 28 to avoid being charged.
See you on December 3rd!

NOTE: Our new permanent reservation lunch list has begun in October.  It is so much easier to be on the permanent list instead of trying to remember every month to reserve your lunch spot.  Keep in mind that any member on that list who does not show/cancel will receive a gentle reminder to guarantee that she contributes the $20.00 for missing lunch.
  
Kim Reichert, kim.reichert@gmail.com , 203-227-4590

PROGRAM 

STAPLES H.S. ORPHENIANS

It is a great pleasure to welcome Staples H.S. Orphenians Choral group directed by Luke Rosenberg. The Orphenians are an elite group of 36 voices. They have been invited to perform around the world. Mr. Rosenberg, who has been at Staples H.S. only since 2012, has already taken them to perform at the NY Yankee Stadium, to Sydney Australia Opera House and all the way to the Westport Woman's Club. How lucky are we to enjoy this world class entertainment?

P.S. The Orphenians will start at 12 Noon sharp.  Please be seated by 12:00.  Continued socializing and lunch will follow the performance.
Thank you.  

Best wishes to all for a Happy Holiday Season

Leah Scherzer, Leahsart41@gmail.com , 203-856-6189
Josephine Calcagni, calcagnijm@gmail.com, 203-222-0073



BOOK REVIEW

 
There will be no Book Review this December.
 
In January, we will read "Westport Reads" selection which will be " Exit West"  by  Moshin Hamid.
 
Wishing everyone very Happy Holidays!
 

Heike Martin, heikem@optonline.net,  (203) 227-2448 
Pat Vezendy,  pvezendy@gmail.com, (203) 226-9869


BUNCO

Date:    Tuesday,  December 18th
Time:   6:30 pm - ***NOTE-this is earlier than usual***
              Game play begins at 7:30 pm
Hostesses:  ALL OF US!!!!!!!
Place:   Kitchen/Bedford Hall
Cost:    $5.00
Please sign up on the board in the foyer.
Also - please write what you think you will bring.
This will help us have a variety of "goodies" to celebrate the season!
Hope to see you there!





Wendy McKeon, XWAMX50@aol.com , 203-222-0038

BYOB FRIDAY

Date: Friday, December 14th (the 2nd Friday of December)
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Place: Club Kitchen

"Bring something to sip and nibbles to share; it won't be the same if you're not there!"

Please note! Our December BYOB Friday will be a week early, on Dec. 14, to allow space the following week for all of your last minute "things to do!" Our WWC Kitchen is the perfect spot to uncork a bottle, steep some tea or just exhale after a busy week!

So... Bring Yourself Over Briefly, to say hello (or linger longer), anytime 4:00 to 5:30 pm, and be sure to Bring Your Own Beverage of choice and nibbles to share. Whether you are new to the WWC or a Member since "forever," this is an easy and entertaining way to meet fellow members, compare your impressions of our Dec. 7 Sounds for a Starry Night concert and reception, pick up some insider tips for cooking, shopping or travel, or get a head start on creative new year's resolutions.

As always, we operate picnic/tailgate style, bringing our own simple set-ups and serving implements, then disappearing without footprints or fingerprints


Dorothy Curran, dorothyecurran@aol.com, 203-246-0543

CANASTA


Date:  Tuesdays
Time:  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Place:  Living Room

We play on Tuesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm - if there is a minimum of four players.  Emails are sent out at the beginning of each week to members who are interested in playing.  If you want to be included in these weekly emails, please contact me to put your name on that list.  

All players are welcome, regardless of skill level and experience.  You do not need to have your own Canasta cards and tray but, if you do, please bring them.

Lessons are given, also on Tuesdays from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, to members who would like to learn to play the game or haven't played in years but want to brush up on their skills. Please contact me if you are interested.

Donna Richardson, donnarichardson4@yahoo.com, 203-354-8743


COMMUNITY SERVICES

Current Meeting: Tuesday November 27, 2018 
Next Meeting: Tuesday January 22, 2019
Time: 10 -11:30 am
Place: Living Room

HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE 2018
The holiday spirit is again present at WWC with our continuing participation in the Holiday Toy Drive. Members have been asked to donate new unwrapped gifts, as well as gift cards, checks or cash. The decorated drop off box is outside the Office. As before there is a special need for gifts for infants and teenage boys. Checks should be made out to The Children's Connection and can be dropped off at the Office along with any gift cards.
We will conclude collecting for this outreach mission at our December 3rd Club Day.
Thank you for your support and best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season!

Pattie Takita, Holiday Toy Drive Chair


GRANT PROPOSAL REVIEW
This year WWC has received 41 grant applications from our community and those surrounding us. These proposals need to be reviewed separately and then in comparison to the other needs presented this year. We will have reviewed 18 as of November 27. The committee plans to have their final review during our March 27th, meeting. Please note that we will be having a meeting in January but not in December. If you were unable to attend our November 27th meeting and wish to review a proposal before our January meeting, please reach out to me and we can include you in our endeavors.

CARE/ NECESSITY  BAGS
WWC has again been asked to participate in helping the Domestic Violence Crises Center in collecting and assembling personal toiletry items for the women who are in crises, and have been placed in "safe houses". These CARE bags can include: tooth brushes, tooth paste and dental floss; tampons; deodorant/antiperspirants; comb/brush; body wash/ soap bars. Please participate and save these articles for collection during the month of January and at our February Luncheon. There will be a designated spot in the Office for your kind contributions. We will assemble the CARE bags & deliver them in February.

Happy Holidays,

Susan Hricik susanswhim@yahoo.com , 203-226-1372

CURIO COTTAGE  
 
 The Curio Cottage has a huge selection of holiday decorations and beautiful gift items for your holiday needs. Stop by and take a look. 
 
The Curio Cottage will close on Monday, December 24th and re-open on Wednesday, January 2nd.
 
We wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. 


Carol Brezovec, richardbrezovec@gmail.com, 203-221-7688
Susan Loselle, seloselle@gmail.com, 203-454-4171

GARDEN DEPARTMENT
 
Place:   Westport Woman's Club
 
Dear Members,
 
As the holiday season approaches please be aware of special dates. Once again we prepare the house for the holidays and bring joy to friends and family with beautiful creative gifts.
 
Workshops will be Tues 11/27     Boxwood trees
                              Wed 11/28.     Wreaths
                                Thu  11/29      Finishing Projects
                                Fri    11/30.     Decorating House 
 
Club Day Set Up Sunday, December 2nd @ 1:00 pm.
 
Vivian Rosenberg, Garden Chair, vivianrose1@gmail.com, 203-227-4419
Jerilyn Deveau, Co-Program Chair, jerilyndeveau@yahoo.com, 203-372-2920
Leah Scherzer, Co-Program Chair, Leahsart41@gmail.com203-856-6189

FOOD CLOSET

Although we have been the fortunate recipients of food drives from several local schools recently, we have also given out many bags of groceries this fall. We are asking WWC members to contribute some of the items listed below so that we can continue to fulfill requests from Human Services at Town Hall throughout the winter months:

* Canned fruit
* Dinty Moore beef stew
* Chef Boyardee canned pastas
* Corned Beef Hash
* Hamburger Helper
* Chicken Helper
* Tuna Helper
* Boxed mashed potatoes
* Salad dressing
* Mayonnaise
* Coffee (1 lb. cans)
* Tea bags
* Powdered milk (envelopes in boxes)
* Cake mixes
* Cake frosting (in tubs)
* Brownie mixes
* Grape jelly
* Strawberry jam
* Juices (large plastic bottles)

You may bring your contributions to December Club Day or drop them off in the basket outside the Office at any time. The Food Closet volunteers appreciate your generosity, and the individuals and families in Westport who receive these food goods benefit from your spirit of giving!


Wendy McKeon, xwamx50@aol.com203-222-0038 
Kim Reichert, kim.reichert@gmail.com, 203-227-4590

GOURMET

Date:    Tuesday,  December 18th
Time:   11:30 pm
Place:   Bedford Hall

Gourmet Group will meet on Tuesday December 18th for our annual "Sparkling" Holiday Party. This event will be a Pot Luck including hors d'oeuvres, desserts and sparkling wine. Members please RSVP to Lisa Allison by December 11th, mentioning what hors d'oeuvre or dessert you will be bringing so that we can avoid duplications.


 
Lisa Allison, liallison@optonline.net , 203-227-9563
Barbara Gladnick, bagladnick@optonline.net , 203-854-0424

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Time: 12:30 pm
Place: Le Penguin Restaurant
7 Sconset Square, Westport

PLEASE JOIN US AT LE PENGUIN 
FOR A FESTIVE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

This is actually a repeat of last year's luncheon, but everyone enjoyed it so much, they requested that we go there again.  Le Penguin offers a variety of delicious French food, including appetizers, salads and main dishes. You can find their menu at: http://www.lepenguinbistro.com/lunch-menu.html 

You'll note that the prices are somewhat higher than usual. However, this is a combination of the November and December luncheons, so it sort of evens out. I've dined there, and must say the food is exceptional! And, besides, don't we deserve a special treat?

Please let me know by Friday, December 7 if you'll be joining us, so I may tell them how many to expect. And, as always, I ask that you email or call me as I may not remember if you tell me in person.

  Bobbie Herman, s angazure1@aol.com, 203-255-1577 

MAH JONGG

Time:  1:00 - 4:00 pm
Date:   Wednesdays
Place:  Living Room

Mah Jongg is played on Wednesdays from 1-4pm. Emails are sent out at the beginning of each week to members who are interested in playing. If you want to be included in these weekly emails, please contact me to put your name on that list. All players are welcome, regardless of skill level and experience. You do not have to own a Mah Jongg set, but if you have one, please bring it.

You do not need to make a commitment to play each week; come whenever you are available.

Wanted: members who would like to learn this fun game. Lessons are given on Wednesdays, starting at 1pm. Please contact me if you are interested or have questions.
We recently received a check for $117 from the Mah Jongg League, which is their contribution from their charitable program, based on our group order sent earlier this year. This is the 11 th consecutive year that the Club has participated in this program, bringing the total amount received to about $1,100.

Orders for next year's cards are now being taken. Standard print is $8.00; large print is $9.00. Friends and family may also order cards - they don't have to be members of the Club. If paying by check, please make it payable to Audrey Rabinowitz. Card orders, accompanied by payment, need to be made by December 15 th. Your new card(s) will be mailed directly to you at the beginning of April.

Not only do we get to enjoy playing this game, but we are also raising funds for the Club - a win-win situation.
Audrey Rabinowitz, bxiteb4@aol.com ,  203-227-6010

WA YS & MEAN S

We hope you'll join us for "Sounds for a Starry Night" on Friday, December 7 at 7:30 pm at the club.  This special concert will feature two acclaimed Westport musicians:  international violinist Igor Pikayzen, and famed Russian pianist Tatyana Pikayzen.

Tickets are $50 ($25 for students up to 18 years) to experience this live concert in an intimate setting.  Your ticket includes a reception following the performance.   
To purchase tickets, visit www.westportwomansclub.org.  Many thanks to Dorothy Curran for coordinating this very special evening.

If we have a meeting in December, it will be on December 19th at 10:30.    Please pay special attention to emails from Christina in case we decide to cancel the December meeting. Right now we are looking for fundraising ideas for January-March.
Happy Holidays everyone!

Karen Kleine, kkleine3@gmail.com , 203-858-4010
Donna Pellittieri, donnamaydolls@optonline.net, 203-216-0821


YANKEE DOODLE FAIR

As our President, Christina McVaney, mentioned at November Club Day, we are continuing our search for two co-chairs for Yankee Doodle Fair 2019. The new Nominating Committee is being tasked with filling these positions as quickly as possible so we can begin preliminary prep work. Whether you are a brand new member, have joined the WWC in the last few years, or have been a member forever, please consider taking on this position with a friend; have some fun and get to know the inner workings of our club!
 
Christina McVaney, cmcvaney@yahoo.com , 203-292-8138
Kim Reichert, kim.reichert@gmail.com, 203-227-4590

The BULLETIN 
OF THE WESTPORT WOMAN'S CLUB 
44 Imperial Avenue 
Westport, CT 06880